Data from: Orographic lift shapes flight routes of gulls in virtually flat landscapes

Interactions between landscape and atmosphere result in a dynamic flight
habitat which birds may use opportunistically to save energy during
flight. However, their ability to utilise these dynamic landscapes and its
influence on shaping movement paths is not well understood. We investigate
the degree to which gulls utilise fine scale orographic lift created by
wind deflected upwards over landscape features in a virtually flat
landscape. Using accelerometer measurements and GPS tracking, soaring
flight is identified and analysed with respect to orographic lift,
modelled using high-resolution digital elevation models and wind
measurements. The relationship between orographic lift and flight routes
suggests gulls have advanced knowledge of their aerial surroundings and
the benefits to be gained from them, even regarding small features such as
tree lines. We show that in a landscape constantly influenced by
anthropogenic change, the structure of our landscape has an aerial impact
on flight route connectivity and costs.